The Best N64 Racing Games

The Nintendo 64 is known for its high quality games library, and the racing genre certainly played a major role in that. With many different subgenres of racing available, gamers have a plethora of options to get their racing fix on the Nintendo 64. Let’s take a look at the best available racers.

Wave Race 64

Release Date: November 5th, 1996

Developer: Nintendo EAD

Publisher: Nintendo

In the first three months of the N64’s existence, Nintendo published certified classics like Mario Kart 64, Super Mario 64, Pilotwings 64, and perhaps the best racing game on the console, Wave Race 64. The concept of Wave Race 64 is pretty simple. Get to the finish line first on your jet ski, while correctly passing through a series of buoys. Correctly navigate the buoys and you’ll receive a boost, but if you miss five in a row, you’ll be disqualified.

Five modes are present: Championship, Warm Up, Time Trials, Stunt Mode and two-player versus. Four racers are available for use, each with their own defined skills. Each of the nine playable courses have dynamic wave and tide settings, that change during the race, which changes the way you and your racer handle the track. The controls handle very well, with the end result being a game that isn’t too easy, or too hard.

When the game was released in 1996, the game was a graphical marvel. The water physics present in the game had never been seen before, and even now, 16 years after initially hitting store shelves, the water looks good to me. Nintendo has always had a way of making their own titles stand out, and they definitely did it with Wave Race. The split-screen multiplayer is fun as well, but doesn’t add anything different to the experience. Stunt Mode is also a nice distraction, especially since you can play on any of the available courses. Wave Race 64 is still the standard for all water-based racers.Shop for Wave Race 64 on eBayShop for Wave Race 64 on Amazon.com

Excitebike 64

Release Date: April 30th, 2000

Developer: Left Field Productions

Publisher: Nintendo

Nintendo has a way of making people wait a long time for game sequels, and Excitebike is no different. Excitebike 64 is the follow-up to the NES classic that was released almost 16 years prior.

The bulk of the game is located in the Season mode, where you race through 20 tracks in five course intervals. As with the original Excitebike, you can create your own tracks in the Track Editor to supplement the original 20. Other modes of play include Exhibion, Time Trials and Special Tracks, with the latter providing a serious extension on the game’s lasting appeal. There are six of these mini-game type events, including the original NES Excitebike.

The gameplay is superb, with tight, simple controls, which handle your movement, boosts, jumps and stunts. The game is a blast to play, especially when you get up to four other players involved. You have six riders to choose from, each of which have varying degrees of attributes in landing, cornering, jumping and turbo. The audio is adequate, but the visual presentation is splendid. Being one of the later N64 titles, Left Field Productions and Nintendo really got the most out of a system near the end of its life cycle. It’s one of the best looking games available on the console.Shop for Excitebike 64 on eBayShop for Excitebike 64 on Amazon.com

Diddy Kong Racing

Release Date: November 1997

Developer: Rare Ltd.

Publisher: Nintendo

When Diddy Kong Racing was released in November of 1997, many people referred to it as a Mario Kart 64 clone, and that’s not far from the truth. History seems to have forgotten Diddy Kong Racing compared to Mario Kart, but when it was released, Diddy Kong Racing was considered the better game.

Ten characters are included, with Diddy, Conker and Banjo being the star attractions. Players can also choose to drive a car, hovercraft or plane, each of which handles differently. There’s plenty to do in DKR, with 30 tracks spread out over five worlds.

Each world contains a boss character, which you race against after winning the individual races. Beat the boss, and you are given a Silver Coin Challenge, in which you are required to pick up all eight silver coins and win the race against your AI opponents. Beat all the bosses, and you race them again to pick up amulet pieces, followed by winning a series of races against further AI opponents. Even though some of the tracks are short, this amount of content is really quite staggering.

None of this would matter if the game handled poorly, but the gameplay is solid. All three vehicle types handle differently, and even though the weapons are a little lacking, they don’t get in the way of the racing, which has occasionally been a complaint of Mario Kart. Presentation wise, Rare definitely went with the “cute” feeling, but that’s not a criticism. The game looks and sounds great, but the framerate dips can cause some slight annoyance. DKR is still one of the best kart racers around.Shop for Diddy Kong Racing on eBayShop for Diddy Kong Racing on Amazon.com

Mario Kart 64

Release Date: February 10th, 1997

Developer: Nintendo EAD

Publisher: Nintendo

Five years after racing into our homes on the SNES, Nintendo gave us our Mario Kart sequel on the Nintendo 64. This is a classic case of a game that gets looked upon more fondly now, than it did at the time of its release. MK64 was well received in 1997 by reviewers, but the game roundly gets critical praise from gamers today. Eight Nintendo mascots race on sixteen courses, spread over four cups in Grand Prix mode. Time Trial and versus modes are also present, but the battle mode is especially addicting with up to four players.

Instead of racing to the finish line, the object is to attack other human players with items, destroying the three balloons attached to each player’s karts. There are four courses to choose from in Battle Mode, but gather three friends and head to the Block Fort, and you can spend hours beating each other up. The gameplay has the typical Nintendo Seal of Quality attached to it, with tight controls and the computer AI catch up feature when they get too far behind.

Courses have a few shortcuts, jumps, boosts and tons of items litter the tracks, leading to chaotic and frenzied action. The colors are bright, and the graphics are pretty good considering that it’s an earlier N64 title. Nintendo’s trademark audio is present throughout the game as well, giving us many classic audio tunes that are revered to this day. Mario Kart 64 was one of the best multiplayer games available on the N64, and still holds up as a lot of fun today. A definite must-have for any owner of the Nintendo 64.Shop for Mario Kart 64 on eBayShop for Mario Kart 64 on Amazon.com

Beetle Adventure Racing!

Release Date: March 24th, 1999

Developer: Paradigm Entertainment

Publisher: Electronic Arts

It might be difficult to believe now, but the Volkswagen Beetle saw a huge re-birth in the late 90’s. Everywhere you went, it seemed like someone was driving a new Beetle, and as such, Beetle Adventure Racing! was born, and this game is without a doubt, one of the most underrated racers of all-time. The track design in BAR is simply amazing. Six huge tracks are available, with tons of shortcuts on each, and they look great on the N64.

The controls handle beautifully, and despite the fact that the Beetles are the only cars in the game, the sense of speed is tremendous. BAR clearly borrowed a lot from EA’s Need for Speed in this regard. There are so many shortcuts and ways to play the game, that you can play each track dozens of times and see something new every time. This amount of variance makes the game feel fresh.

Lengthening the experience even more, each track lets you pick up bonus boxes, with points assigned to each box. Find 100 bonus points on a track in Championship mode, and it opens up a battle stage. These battle stages are an innovative take on capture the flag, with weapons, on nine separate tracks made specifically for “Beetle Battle”. Jumps, stunts, full battle mode, great course design and stellar gameplay make Beetle Adventure Racing one of the best racers on the Nintendo 64.Shop for Beetle Adventure Racing! on eBayShop for Beetle Adventure Racing! on Amazon.com

San Francisco Rush Series

Release Dates: Three games between 1997 and 2000

Developer: Atari/Midway

Publisher: Midway

Originally a successful title in the arcades, San Francisco Rush made it’s debut on home consoles in 1997, adding more tracks and cars. With the Rush series, it’s all about speed, tricks, stunts and big air. All three games are great, but the jewel of the trifecta is the final game, San Francisco Rush 2049.

Your standard Circuit Mode has you racing on six tracks, which can also be raced in a Mirror Mode and backwards. There are a bunch of shortcuts on each track, and there are hidden items to be found as well, which unlock items and other goodies.

One of the really cool things about 2049 is the dynamic environment that each track possesses. Switches and pressure points alter the tracks, moving walls or lowering the track entirely. They are all optional of course, but they do add a layer of replayability, as you try and find the best way to master each course. Four stunt tracks and a killer Twisted Metal-esque battle mode give 2049 the nod over the original two games, but all three need to be checked out by any owner of the Nintendo 64.Shop for San Francisco Rush Series on eBayShop for San Francisco Rush Series on Amazon.com

F-Zero X

Release Date: July 1998

Developer: Nintendo EAD

Publisher: Nintendo

Remember when I talked about Nintendo making people wait for sequels, specifically mentioning the Excitebike franchise? Well, you can put F-Zero on that list as well. The smash SNES hit was released in 1990, and outside of a couple Japan-only releases, the franchise took eight years off. That SNES title was definitely a pioneer in futuristic, edge of your seat racing, and the N64 title is basically the original on steroids.

The sheer amount of content is staggering, with 30 vehicles and drivers to go along with at least 24 tracks. I say at least because the first four “Cups” to obtain in GP Race mode contain six tracks each, while the final X-Cup actually generates random tracks each time you play it. How amazing is that? Standard versus, time attack, practice and GP modes are present, but the new death race mode is a lot of fun. You’re pitted against 29 other racers, where you must destroy them all to be declared the winner.

With blazing speeds at over 1000 km/h, the game is still easy to play, but in true Nintendo fashion, difficult to master. It never feels frustrating to play, which is a testament to the rock-solid design work here. The most amazing thing about the game though is that there are no framerate hiccups at any point, even with the ridiculous pace the game runs at and the potential of having all thirty racers on the screen simultaneously. Unlike most futuristic racers, there are no weapons. You’ve got three things to control: boost, break and accelerate.

The one real criticism could come on the presentation side, where the game looks and sounds average at best in some spots, but that is negated by the crazy track design and tight gameplay that F-Zero is known for. It’s in the conversation for best racer on the system, but F-Zero is without a doubt, the best futuristic, blistering thrill ride available on the Nintendo 64.Shop for F-Zero X on eBayShop for F-Zero X on Amazon.com

Wipeout 64

Release Date: November 2nd, 1998

Developer: Psygnosis

Publisher: Midway

As a society, we have an undying need to compare things. Sports teams, movies, music, and yes, video games. Wipeout 64 faced the unfortunate situation of being labeled as an F-Zero clone, and despite the lofty comparison, Wipeout 64 stacks up very well against Nintendo’s high-speed racer.

The biggest departure for the N64 version is that no D-Pad support is present; it’s all control stick. The game does have its moments where control is a tad rough, especially in the early going, but for the most part, you’ll have no problem handling the controls. The sense of speed is tremendous, on par with F-Zero and in the opinion of some, exceeds it. The presentation is also top notch, and while there are only seven courses (a scant number considering F-Zero’s 24), they all look amazing.

The biggest advantage (or disadvantage if you prefer pure racing) that Wipeout carries over F-Zero would be in the weapon department. Obviously, F-Zero doesn’t have any, but all of Wipeout’s hovercrafts can pick up missiles, bombs, electric orbs and more to knock your opponents off the road. Simply put, Wipeout is a lot of fun. I don’t think it’s as good as F-Zero, but realistically, that doesn’t matter. Wipeout 64 is one of the best games, racing or otherwise, available on the N64.Shop for Wipeout 64 on eBayShop for Wipeout 64 on Amazon.com

Ridge Racer 64

Release Date: February 14th, 2000

Developer: NST/Namco

Publisher: Nintendo

There are few video game franchises that have seen the peaks and valleys of Ridge Racer. Some games have sucked, others have been average, and a few have been great. In the case of Ridge Racer 64, it’s the latter. Ridge Racer has always been about how easy it is to pick up and play, and this version is no exception. The trademark blazing speed and powerslides are also present, but you’ll have to work to earn most of the vehicles, as only 4 of the 25 are unlocked from the beginning.

The controls are very tight, even from the minute you boot up the game. One you get used to the controls, you’ll feel like a pro. The game also looks great, and the framerate never sees any noticeable hits with one or two players, despite the speed at which the game plays.

When three or four players get involved, it can get a little choppier, but still very passable. Techno is heard throughout the game, to the surprise of no one, and the car sounds are also what you’d expect. As usual, the biggest complaint with Ridge Racer is the length of the experience. The box says nine courses are available, but it’s really three courses with three variations on each. The game is loads of fun, especially with friends, but you will be done with it relatively quickly.Shop for Ridge Racer 64 on eBayShop for Ridge Racer 64 on Amazon.com

World Driver Championship

Release Date: June 16th, 1999

Developer: Boss Game Studios

Publisher: Midway

Not quite an arcade or sim title, Midway and Boss Game Studios teamed up to release World Driver Championship in the middle of 1999. 30 unlicensed cars are available to drive on ten tracks based on real world cities like Rome, Sydney and Las Vegas.

The game starts off slow, with some of the higher-paced cars not available in the beginning, not to mention that it’s pretty difficult to begin with. Once you get used to the controls and some of the better vehicles become available, you’ll start to get far more comfortable.

Graphically, the game is great, with a solid framerate that never dips and high quality track design. Also, even though the cars aren’t officially licensed, it’s pretty clear what real-life vehicles they are imitating due to the high level of detail in the design. Reviews were mixed when the game came out in 1999, but give it some time, and I think you’ll find a solid racer here.Shop for World Driver Championship on eBayShop for World Driver Championship on Amazon.com

F-1 World Grand Prix

Release Date: July 27th, 1998

Developer: Paradigm Entertainment/Video System

Publisher: Video System

You’ll notice that Paradigm Entertainment is back on this list. Before Beetle Adventure Racing!, the Texas based developer produced an underrated simulation take on the popular Formula One racing league.

The game is based on the 1997 season, featuring all 17 tracks and 22 drivers, with the exception of 1997 F1 champ Jacques Villeneuve, who the game could not license. He is listed in the game, with the not so subtle name of “Driver Williams”, in reference to the Williams team that Villeneuve raced for. Four gameplay modes await: Exhibiton (both one and two players), Time Trial, Grand Prix and Challenge. Grand Prix allows you to race the full 1997 season, while Challenge mode gives you specific moments from the 1997 season to race in and defeat.

Each vehicle is customizable before the race begins, and based on the track and weather conditions, there can be a noticeable difference based on the changes you make to your fuel, tires, suspension etc. As with most racing sims, it can take a while to get used to the controls. These cars are meant to handle like the real thing, and once you get a grip on the controls, it’s a solid experience. The presentation is pretty good as well, as the developers tried to make it as authentic to the TV viewing experience as possible.

Micro Machines 64 Turbo

Release Date: March 24th, 1999

Developer: Codemasters

Publisher: Midway

If you’ve never played a Micro Machines game before, it’d be easy to overlook it as nothing more than a little bit of fun with no depth. In a time where top-down, arcade style racers were all over consoles, Micro Machines on the NES was a big hit.

The N64 version was released eight years later, and retained much of the same speed and over the top action that made the series popular in the 8-bit era. The controls are simple, using either the D-Pad or control stick to handle your vehicle, A accelerates, B breaks, R jumps and Z fires your weapons. 32 vehicles are at your disposal of all different types, including boats and toy cars. 48 short tracks await you as you play through two sets of time trials, a challenge mode and the head-to-head multiplayer.

The action is frantic, and although you probably won’t get a ton of play time out of the single player campaign, you will get your money’s worth if you have some friends for up to 8-way multiplayer. Two players can use a controller at the same time, with one using the D-Pad and the other using the C buttons. It’s definitely a great way to get more people involved in the action. If you’ve got some friends, Micro Machines 64 Turbo is a great buy, but even if you don’t, you should still get some fun out of it.Shop for Micro Machines 64 Turbo on eBayShop for Micro Machines 64 Turbo on Amazon.com

Top Gear Rally and Top Gear Rally 2

Release Dates: Two games released from October 1997 to December 1999

Developer: Boss Game Studios/Saffire

Publisher: Kemco/Midway

Boss Game Studios had quite the reputation for putting out solid racing titles in the mid-to-late 90’s, and it started with the original Top Gear Rally in 1997. Saffire took the reigns in 1999 with Top Gear Rally 2, and the two games play nothing like each other.

So, which one’s for you? The original is more of a sim experience, while the sequel takes an arcade approach. Both games deliver a good sense of speed and have good controls. I remember playing the original in the late 90’s and loving the Paint Shop option available, which allows any car in the game to be customized in every possible way. Graphically, the games are pretty similar, but the nod probably goes to the original, but the length of the TGR2 is far superior to TGR.

Two players can play in the circuit mode in the sequel, and a random track generator adds length as well. Collision detection and car degeneration is also way better in TGR2, with the ability to see your car lose parts on the fly based on your crashing and recklessness. If I had to pick a better game out of the two, I’d probably go with TGR2, but you can’t go wrong either way.Shop for Top Gear Rally Series on eBayShop for Top Gear Rally Series on Amazon.com

Supercross 2000

Release Date: December 3rd, 2000

Developer: MBL Research

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Definitely the best supercross game on the N64, Supercross 2000 is deep on gameplay modes and authenticity. Four modes of play are available, with single race, practice, freestyle and season. Single race and practice are pretty straightforward, but freestyle allows you to jump in with up to two players with the goal of racking up the most points in a set amount of time.

Prefer a straight racing mode? Play a fully authentic 16-race season on licensed tracks from the EA Sports Supercross Series with any of the 25 real-life Supercross riders. The gameplay is very realistic, with the bikes handling just as you would expect if you were physically riding them.

When making turns, you’ll have to slow down considerably to make sure you stay on course. The tracks will also deteriorate as the race wears on, so finding the best path to get to the finish line in first place is a must. There’s definitely more of an arcade feel in the three dedicated stunt arenas, where it’s pretty easy to pull of the plethora of tricks at your disposal.

The graphics and the sound are very well done. The bikes and riders look authentic and the audio is just what you would expect, with former Motocross star turned broadcaster David Bailey at the mic. The game isn’t overly long, so you might be done with it fairly quickly, but there’s a lot of fun to be had with EA’s Supercross 2000.Shop for Supercross 2000 on eBayShop for Supercross 2000 on Amazon.com

Monaco Grand Prix

Release Date: June 1999

Developer: Ubisoft

Publisher: Ubisoft

Let’s get one thing out of the way with Monaco Grand Prix: there are no authentic drivers, teams, or cars, but it is loosely based on the 1997 Formula One season. This is usually the kiss of death when it comes to games like this, but Monaco Grand Prix makes it work with good gameplay and a great career mode.

You’ve got 22 cars and 16 real-life tracks to race on through five modes, and they give you the option of either arcade or sim controls, but the game still tends to be more on the sim side. The bulk of your time will be spent in either Championship or Career mode. Championship has you playing through an entire season mode, while Career mode has you start on a poor team, working your way up through multiple seasons.

Along the way you earn sponsorships and the chance to move to better teams, with the ultimate goal of getting to the Hall of Fame. As mentioned earlier, the game handles well and the presentation is passable. I prefer the authenticity of F-1 World Grand Prix, but Monaco Grand Prix is a solid alternative.Shop for Monaco Grand Prix on eBayShop for Monaco Grand Prix on Amazon.com

Road Rash 64

Release Date: September 22nd, 1999

Developer: Pacific Coast Power and Light

Publisher: THQ

When gamers discuss franchises that have inexplicably disappeared into the ether, Road Rash is one that usually pops up. The three original games on the Sega Genesis turned into cult classics. I mean, who wouldn’t like riding a motorcycle against a group of competitors, while trying to bash their brains in with a tire iron, right?

THQ was tasked with taking the N64 version of the franchise, and it still has the same amount of fun, crazy action that the original series had. Instead of giving you separate tracks, Road Rash 64 has you playing different tracks that branch off from one main map. Each bike has a few differences that change the way they handle in areas such as speed, acceleration and strength.

Weapons play a big part in the game, and you’ll have plenty of options when trying to bludgeon your opponents. Bats, wrenches, sledgehammers and even cattle prods are at your disposal, and while each weapon seems similar at first glance, you will find favorites and others you’re not so fond of. In the single player, your goal is to win as much money as possible so you can buy better bikes but the multiplayer is great as well.

Getting together with friends to race against each other violently is a lot of fun, and adds a lot of length to the experience. There’s a lot to like about Road Rash 64, but it’s not perfect. If you’re not into 90’s rock music, the soundtrack isn’t for you. Also, the graphics are pretty ugly. Bland is probably the best word to use when describing them, and that goes for everything, from the bikes to the riders and the background elements. Overall though, it’s a relatively minor complaint about a solidly built, fun game. Now only if Electronic Arts would give the series a true reboot, we’d be in business.Shop for Road Rash 64 on eBayShop for Road Rash 64 on Amazon.com

Indy Racing 2000

Release Date: June 9th, 2000

Developer: Paradigm Entertainment

Publisher: Infogrames

Indy Racing 2000 was Paradigm’s last racing entry on the N64, and even though it’s not as good as their others, Indy Racing 2000 deserves a look. The IRL has never been the powerhouse racing league that F-1 or NASCAR is, but it does have a dedicated following.

All of the official venues, drivers and vehicles are present in Indy Racing 2000, based on the 1999 season. Interestingly, F-1 World Grand Prix was a pretty good attempt at a sim game, but Indy Racing 2000 is kind of a hybrid between arcade and sim. Everything is authentic and true to form, but the game gives you a bigger sense of speed and the more aggressive, “arcadey” type drivers can take advantage without a ton of repercussions.

The audio is solid, with a good announcer and relevant information relayed from your pit crew. They do get a little repetitive, but that’s to be expected from a game released in 2000. Graphically, the game struggles and the framerate hiccups are annoying, but if you can get past that, you’ll find a solid racer, especially if you’re an IRL fan.Shop for Indy Racing 2000 on eBayShop for Indy Racing 2000 on Amazon.com

Top Gear Overdrive

Release Date: November 23rd, 1998

Developer: Snowblind Studios

Publisher: Kemco

A visual stunner back in 1998, Top Gear Overdrive was released by Kemco in between the Top Gear Rally games in late 1998. Overdrive is a fast, arcade racer that gives you ten cars to start, with an additional five to unlock. None of them are licensed, but a quick look at them gives you a pretty good idea of the vehicles they are copying. Six tracks are available, and they are varied enough due to the weather and lighting effects.

It can rain or snow on any of the tracks, and you can also play them in the day or at night. This is where the game really shines, as the weather and lighting really pop on screen. Nitrous pickups on the course allow you to go even faster, and you can also pick up cash, which can be used to upgrade your car.

Star Wars Episode I: Racer

Release Date: May 19th, 1999

Developer: LucasArts

Publisher: Nintendo

Based on the pod racing from the Star Wars Episode I movie, it’s easy to see how some could say that LucasArts was crazy to release a game based on a few minutes of a critically panned movie, but the game is actually very well done.

An incredible 25 racers, all with their own pods and abilities, are present in the game. The vehicles can all be upgraded by buying parts in the shop, and LucasArts did a good job with the way the vehicles take damage, as different parts of the pods can be affected. Crash into the right side, and you’ll be a little more vulnerable going in that direction. When your pod takes too much damage, it can overheat and blow up.

The game looks really good, especially if you can take advantage of the high-res mode by using the expansion pack. The pods all handle pretty well, but the controls are sensitive, and as you would expect, the game is very fast. My big complaint about the game though is that the difficulty seems to be all over the place. It’s too easy in the beginning, and all of a sudden, it ramps up to a pretty difficult racer. The pacing of this definitely should have been improved.Shop for Star Wars Episode I: Racer on eBayShop for Star Wars Episode I: Racer on Amazon.com

Extreme-G series

Release Dates: Two games between October 1997 and October 1998

Developer: Probe Entertainment

Publisher: Acclaim Entertainment

You want speed? Extreme-G has you covered. The original game released in 1997 is the better game, but the sequel is also a solid option. The series is set in a futuristic environment, with blazing speed and lots of weapons.

The game looks pretty, but the speed does lead to some issues. First, the framerate gets attacked at a pretty good clip, as the N64 just can’t seem to keep up at time with the frantic pace. Secondly, the speed makes the game pretty tough to control, at least when you first start playing. Still though, the game looks good and the track design is interesting, with lots of loops and crazy turns. Despite this, the game still handles pretty well, and the multiplayer is solid as well, with both standard races and battle modes.

LEGO Racers

Release Date: October 12th, 1999

Developer: High Voltage Software

Publisher: LEGO Media

One of the many Mario Kart clones to be released in the late 90’s, LEGO Racers is actually one of the better ones. The biggest positive lies in the customization options, where LEGO Racers lets you assemble both your driver and car. You’re given a bunch of LEGO pieces to design with, and the selection increases once you progress further through the game.

There’s a storyline at play here, inasmuch as Mario Kart has a storyline, but they do lead to four circuits with six tracks in each. Additional circuits employ the mirror images of tracks, similar to Mario Kart. The controls handle well, and there is a leveling up system with the weapons you use. Each track features a couple of shortcuts, and while they aren’t overly difficult, they are fun to race on.

From a presentation perspective, you know what to expect from a LEGO game: cute, fun graphics and the same goes for audio. The biggest negative is that for some reason, LEGO Racers does not allow you to play the circuit mode with more than one player. Split-screen is available for two players, but only in individual races. That’s highly frustrating, but if you can get over that, LEGO Racers can provide some fun when you’re a little tired of Mario Kart or Diddy Kong Racing.Shop for LEGO Racers on eBayShop for LEGO Racers on Amazon.com

Monster Truck Madness 64

Release Date: July 30th, 1999

Developer: Edge of Reality

Publisher: Rockstar Games

Rockstar is one of gaming’s most popular publishers, but they were really just getting their feet wet in the late 90’s when they created the Grand Theft Auto series. The N64 was rumored to be receiving a version of GTA, but that never came to fruition. Instead, Rockstar would publish two games for the system, Earthworm Jim 3D and Monster Truck Madness 64.

The goal of Monster Truck Madness is pretty simple: get to the finish line as fast as possible and destroy all of your competitors on the way there. You get to race on ten tracks with twenty licensed monster trucks, including a tie-in with famed wrestling promotion World Championship Wrestling. Launching weapons into your opponents, as well as crashing into them is fun for a little while, but with only Exhibition and Circuit modes, the single player experience can feel a little short.

If multiplayer is more your speed, there are five battle modes as well, with hockey, soccer and summit rumble being the best of the bunch. Soccer and hockey are self-explanatory, as you try to push a ball or puck into your opponent’s goal. Summit Rumble is basically a take on King of the Hill, with the player trying to stay at the top of the summit for as long as possible, while others try to knock them off.

Hot Wheels Turbo Racing

Release Date: September 22, 1999

Developer: Stormfront Studios

Publisher: Electronic Arts

As I’m sure you’ve figured out, Hot Wheels Turbo Racing is not a simulation title. Stormfront and EA did a nice job with this title, taking a recognizable name license in Hot Wheels and made a fun, fast arcade game, full of stunts, jumps and shortcuts.

Pick from over 40 Hot Wheels vehicles and race on eight tracks, all of which have the typical Hot Wheels flavor attached to them, with bright colors and a cartoony look. Your standard gameplay modes are present, and while the game’s trick system isn’t overly deep, it works well. The game controls pretty easily, but the tracks could use a little more depth and variety. Overall, the game is decent, but don’t expect a ton of replay value out of the title.Shop for Hot Wheels Turbo Racing on eBayShop for Hot Wheels Turbo Racing on Amazon.com

Automobili Lamborghini

Release Date: November 1997 (NA) May 1998 (JP)

Developer: Titus Software

Publisher: Titus Software/Taito

The sequel to 1993 SNES title Lamborghini American Challenge, Automobili Lamborghini will not wow you like other racers on this list, but it should not be overlooked. Playing as a typical “street racing” title in the vain of the Ridge Racer series, the game gives you eight cars to race with on six tracks. The vehicles are a combination of licensed and unlicensed remakes from “supercar” manufacturers like Lamborghini, Ferrari and Porsche.

Four modes of play are available, with your standard arcade, championship, single race and time trial options at your disposal. The computer AI is pretty intelligent, as they will try to run you off the road, and they even have a setting you can toggle that lets the AI catch up quicker once they fall behind. The graphics and audio are nothing special even for the era, and the controls are a little spotty at times, but the multiplayer makes the title stand out.

Back in 1997, racing games often struggled with multiplayer, but Automobili Lamborghini nailed it. You can play multi-player Grand Prix races, as well as four-player head-to-head. It all runs smoothly, and while we take it for granted these days with online racers, this was a big deal back then. Nothing spectacular, but Automobili Lamborghini is a solid racer that you should check out if you haven’t done so.Shop for Automobili Lamborghini on eBayShop for Automobili Lamborghini on Amazon.com

Stunt Racer 64

Release Date: October 1st, 2000

Developer: Boss Game Studios

Publisher: Midway

Originally released as a “rental only” title in 2000 by Midway, Stunt Racer 64 is a pretty solid, underrated game. As the name of the game suggests, you perform various stunts across 14 tracks to earn money, which can be spent on upgrading vehicles, or purchasing new ones. In the main contest mode, you are given points for where you finish, with your placing determining whether or not you can advance.

With the unlockable and purchasable vehicles, there are 32 in total, most resembling real-world vehicles. The game handles well, but for a stunt game, it seems like it could have been a little more adventurous with the jumps and tricks.

The graphics are really well done, with bright colors and fun, moving backgrounds. It’s not a stretch to say that it’s one of the best looking games available on the Nintendo 64, and the game hums along at a solid, consistent framerate. It’s a rare game considering the rental only state that it was initially released in, so it might not be the easiest game to find, but it’s definitely worth a look.Shop for Stunt Racer 64 on eBayShop for Stunt Racer 64 on Amazon.com

Roadsters

Release Date: December 18th, 1999

Developer: Titus

Publisher: Titus

High-end, luxury car racing isn’t exactly the most common of video games, but Titus made it work with Roadsters when it was released in December of 1999. There are 34 licensed and unlicensed cars in the game, the licensed coming from famed manufacturers like Lotus and Alfa Romero.

As with most games, you’ll start out with little money and a few cars. Win a few races, and you can buy more cars to race with, each handling a little differently based on their attributes. Roadsters definitely feels like more of an arcade experience than a sim, but there are some nice, realistic touches to the game.

The cars look great, and the drivers are all pretty interactive, right down to the audio they produce. There’s a good sense of speed to the game, and the weather effects are pretty solid, especially for a game on the N64. Only having single race multiplayer is a bit of a downer, but there are a lot of cars to unlock.Shop for Roadsters on eBayShop for Roadsters on Amazon.com

S.C.A.R.S.

Release Date: December 4th, 1998

Developer: Vivid Image

Publisher: Ubisoft

Definitely one of the stranger titles released on the N64, S.C.A.R.S. is set way in the future, the year 3000 to be exact, where apparently vehicles based on animals are the norm. There are nine of these animal inspired racers, and you can take them on ten tracks, all of which look pretty good and provide some good variety. You’ll race in the mountains, desert and other terrains, with each providing several ways to get to the finish line via shortcuts and alternating paths.

Weapons are present as well, with missiles, turbo boosts and bombs littering the track. The framerate never drops, even in the fun, four-player split screen. The less said about the sound though, the better. The game’s a lot of fun, but if you pick it up, put it on mute and listen to some of your own music. If you’re looking for a more adult version of a Mario Kart style racer, S.C.A.R.S. is your best bet on the N64.Shop for S.C.A.R.S.on eBayShop for S.C.A.R.S.on Amazon.com

Mickey’s Speedway USA

Release Date: November 13th, 2000

Developer: Rare

Publisher: Nintendo

Another cart racer on the N64, and this time it’s Mickey Mouse and friends getting in on the action. Having made Diddy Kong Racing three years prior, Rare took that engine to make Mickey’s Speedway USA, and the result is a decent game that just can’t compete with others in the genre. Eight Disney characters are playable, and as the name suggests, you are racing on tracks throughout major cities across the United States.

Across the board, the game just seems average, with the exception of the controls. It handles smoothly, and is easy enough to jump in and play immediately, which is great considering the license at play. The graphics and sound are colorful and fun, but nothing wows you either.

The best recommendation I can give this game is if you have younger family members who love the Disney characters. Otherwise, you’re better off with the plethora of other cart racing titles on the system. Considering Rare made the critically acclaimed DKR, Mickey’s Speedway USA is a little disappointing, but can be a good distraction every now and then.Shop for Mickey’s Speedway USA on eBayShop for Mickey’s Speedway USA on Amazon.com

Hydro Thunder

Release Date: February 28th, 2000

Developer: Eurocom/Midway

Publisher: Midway

Who likes futuristic boat racing? Hydro Thunder was a massively successful hit in the arcades in the late 90’s, leading to a Sega Dreamcast port in late 1999. The N64 got its version in early 2000, and it actually boasts a major feature that the Dreamcast didn’t receive: four-player support, assuming you have the N64 Expansion Pack.

Players have the choice of 13 different powerboats to race on 14 tracks, and the game actually gives you a good sense of realism in terms of how the boats navigate the water. Much like Excitebike, Hydro Thunder is one of the later N64 titles, and it shows graphically. The game is one of the system’s better-looking games, and the controls are solid.

It handles really well, but if you’ve played the arcade original or the Dreamcast port, you’ll notice the N64 version is a little sluggish. It’s understandable considering the system specs, but even the boosts seem slow. For a game advertised as a “Full Throttle Adrenaline Rush”, Hydro Thunder just can’t live up to it on the N64. It’s still a solid entry into the system’s library, but if you have a Dreamcast, pick it up on Sega’s platform.Shop for Hydro Thunder on eBayShop for Hydro Thunder on Amazon.com

NASCAR ’99 and 2000

Release Dates: Two games released between September 1998 and 1999

Developer: Stormfront Studios

Publisher: Electronic Arts

There’s pretty much one reason why these games are on this list, and that’s because they are the only authentic NASCAR experiences on the Nintendo 64. That’s not to say they are awful games, but the highest marks for both titles lie in the fact that EA was able to secure a license for America’s most popular racing league.

Both games feature 18 official tracks and over 30 drivers. The vehicles are customizable to your liking, and the full season mode is a nice thing to have for NASCAR fans. The game controls just fine in most instances, but sometimes it feels like it’s more of an arcade than a sim, which is fine, but that’s certainly not the way it’s been promoted. There are some nice audio and graphical touches like the crash sequences, but the occasional poor collision detection can take some of the luster away.

The problem with both versions is the same problem that other sports titles typically have: if you’re not a fan of that particular sport or league, your interest in the game is likely very limited. This is where we are with these titles. If you’re a NASCAR fan, give one of these two games a shot. If not, you’re probably better off passing on them entirely.Shop for NASCAR ’99 and 2000 on eBayShop for NASCAR ’99 and 2000 on Amazon.com

Penny Racers

Release Date: July 1998-February 1999

Developer: Locomotive Games

Publisher: THQ/Takara

Choro Q has been a popular franchise in Japan for years, and it made it’s debut in North America by way of THQ and Locomotive Games as Penny Racers in 1999. One of many cart-style racing games on the N64, Penny Racers has very clearly targeted a younger audience with the graphical style and colors in both the tracks and vehicles.

The game is heavy on customization, with the ability to design your vehicle, changing tires, the engine, suspension, weapons and more. You can also create your own tracks, which can be used in either versus or time trial modes. In addition to the custom cars and tracks, there are 13 default vehicles to race on 9 different venues.

Cruis’n series

Release Dates: Three games released from November 1996 to October 2000

Developer: Williams/Eurocom/Midway

Publisher: Nintendo/Midway

The Cruis’n series is one of the most polarizing franchises in video games. It seems that gamers either love or hate the arcade racer that struggled to find a consistent developer and publisher on the N64. There aren’t many differences across the three games, with the later two games incorporating more stunt and trick elements.

The biggest problem that all three games face is that the games were all better in the arcades, and the N64 simply couldn’t produce the higher level of quality on the home versions. There is a fine sense of speed, jumps, stunts and crashes, but there are better arcade style racers available on the system.Shop for Cruis’n series on eBayShop for Cruis’n series on Amazon.com

There were tons of racing games on the N64, and I think you hit most of them. You forgot “California Speed” by Midway, which was yet another stupid arcade racer along the lines of Cruis’n USA. It was set in California and featured some whimsical levels such as driving inside a computer board (a la TRON) for the Silicon Valley portion. I recall the developer getting interviewed somewhere that it was a lighthearted game that you could play with one hand while doing something else, such as talking on the phone. This is entirely accurate, and it’s probably best forgotten, but I’d rather play CaliSpeed than the Extreme-G games.

I think F-Zero X is the best game in the series, and it really deserves a port to 3DS, alongside Wave Race. I would love to play them both on a 3DS XL. Until that happens, there are several clones for iPhone that will have to fill the space.

Glad to see some Diddy Kong Racing love. While Mario Kart 64 holds a special place with me, Diddy Kong Racing was really the better game. It’s too bad Mario Kart 64 is so idolized, because Diddy Kong Racing doesn’t deserve to be forgotten!

One game that I owned that wasn’t on this list was MRC: Multi-Racing Championship. I really don’t remember much of the game except that it had both off-road and paved roads on the same track. So you could be racing on pavement then all of a sudden hit a snowy section and start sliding all over. I don’t remember the game having amazing graphics, either. It looked kind of bland, but was released in 97 so it was kind of early in the N64’s life cycle.

you forgot Aero gauge but i hate that game one of the worst games on N64 imo its inferior to f-zero x ,extreme g series ,pod racer ,hydro thunder and wipeout needs to stay forgotten LOL ! umm do the snowboard racers count as racers or sports games ? lol

Great article. Glad you included the Top Gear Rally games. They have a certain feel to them that I can’t explain. I have fond memories of a lot of these games, but many of them I’ve never heard of. Looking forward to trying them out.

LOVED Diddy Kong Racing. I don’t even like racing games that much, but I unlocked everything on that one up to about midway through the silver coin reverse tracks. I just couldn’t find all the coins! Anyway, was thoroughly disappointed in the DS port. Nowhere near as good. Pipsy ftw!

Great article ! I agree with Diddy Kong Racing being a better racing game than Mario Kart 64, but I feel the two games are really different. MK64 is more about shooting the other racers and DKR is more about racing skills. Also, the list is missing Vigilante 8 and Destruction Derby 64 (and…errrm…Carmageddon 64, I guess)

TOTALLY disagree with what you said about S.C.A.R.S Soundtrack
I think it is highly,HIGHLY underrated.
Plus i find the combat and skill higher and more fun then that of the sheer luck you need in Mario kart.